Protests in western Kazakhstan against suddenly doubled fuel costs began on January 2 and quickly spiraled into wider, nationwide unrest, including violent clashes with the authorities. Dozens have reportedly been killed in clashes, and police officials say several officers have died, as well. In cities like Zhanaozen, demonstrators' demands have become more and more political. Following these developments, the nation's authorities have also changed the way they talk about the unrest, using increasingly extreme rhetoric.